Laser Anti-Drone System Set to Transform UK Defence with Sub-£1 Intercept Cost
UK drone consultancy Drone Major has partnered with defence photonics firm olee.space to launch a first-of-its-kind high-power fibre laser counter-drone system. The technology delivers intercepts for under £1 per engagement, neutralises targets within three seconds of detection, and has an effective range of six kilometres — offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional missile-based air defence for critical infrastructure protection.
Highlights
- Drone Major has secured exclusive UK, US, and EU sales rights for olee.space's high-power fibre laser counter-drone system, which costs under £1 per intercept versus £150,000+ for missile alternatives.
- The system detects and neutralises drone targets in under three seconds at ranges of up to six kilometres, using a speed-of-light combined laser beam.
- The technology has been field-tested by the Indian Armed Forces across desert, maritime, mountainous, and tropical environments before its UK market introduction.
- The plug-and-play platform integrates with existing radar, EO/IR, and multi-spectral infrastructure and produces zero collateral damage, enabling safe deployment near populated areas and sensitive equipment.
- The partnership aims to develop domestic UK manufacturing capacity for counter-drone systems and strengthen supply chain resilience for SMEs and start-ups in the sector.
Laser Anti-Drone System Set to Transform UK Defence with Sub-£1 Intercept Cost
UK independent drone consultancy Drone Major has entered a strategic partnership with defence photonics pioneer olee.space to introduce a first-of-its-kind laser technology designed to fundamentally transform the United Kingdom's counter-drone capabilities.
Ultra-Low Cost, High-Efficiency Interception
The new system uses a high-power fibre laser to neutralise intruding drones, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional air defence solutions. Traditional missile-based systems can cost upwards of £150,000 per round and struggle to keep pace with the rapid proliferation of low-cost aerial threats. By contrast, this laser platform achieves each intercept for under £1, with an engagement time — from detection to kill — of less than three seconds.
Addressing Europe's Escalating Drone Threat
The system has been developed in direct response to growing operational challenges across Europe. Airports on the continent have faced repeated drone incursion incidents in recent years, causing widespread flight cancellations, resource drain, and serious safety risks. The platform combines multiple laser beams into a single, highly focused beam that travels at the speed of light and can engage targets at ranges of up to six kilometres.
Exclusive Distribution and Market Positioning
Drone Major has secured exclusive integration and sales rights for the olee.space-designed system across the UK, US, and EU markets. The arrangement is intended to strengthen the UK's counter-drone capabilities while simultaneously developing domestic manufacturing capacity for systems critical to protecting key national infrastructure. Target applications include airports, energy facilities, army, air force, and naval units, border security agencies, and other critical infrastructure networks.
Modular Plug-and-Play Architecture
The system features a versatile plug-and-play design that can be integrated with any existing tracking and detection infrastructure worldwide, including radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and multi-spectral systems. As a non-kinetic solution, it produces zero collateral damage, making it safe to operate in densely populated areas, near fuel storage facilities, and in the vicinity of sensitive electronic equipment.
Validated in Demanding Combat Environments
Prior to its introduction to the UK market, the technology underwent extensive field testing by the Indian Armed Forces across desert, maritime, mountainous, and tropical environments. The system has also been validated in mobile configurations, including direct integration with existing infrastructure, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), naval vessels, and helicopters.
Industry Leaders Respond
Robert Garbett, Founder and CEO of Drone Major, said: "This partnership will help to revolutionise the UK's drone defence systems, filling a critical gap in countering the threat of low-cost drone swarms. olee.space's cutting-edge counter-drone technology will ensure the UK's critical national infrastructure is protected from drone incursions, incidents that are becoming increasingly frequent around the world."
Garbett added: "The UK has excellent talent and a wealth of innovative technology, and this new partnership will drive the growth of the UK's precision drone and counter-drone industry, enabling it to independently manufacture high-tech systems domestically."
James Soloman, Co-Founder of olee.space, commented: "Gaining access to this first-of-its-kind counter-drone system will place the UK at the forefront of the global drone industry, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution to low-cost drone incursion incidents. Our partnership with Drone Major will empower UK SMEs and start-ups to develop their own production capabilities and strengthen the resilience of the UK's supply chain."
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